Smooth Style - Magazine of Europe's only Smooth Jazz Festivals

2

Festival Partner & Imprint

Presentado por: / Präsentiert von: / Presented by:

Patrocinadores / Sponsoren / Sponsors

Medios asociados / Medienpartner / Media Partner

Impresión Impressum Imprint Editor / Herausgeber / Editor smooth entertainment GmbH, Perzheimstraße 48, D-86150 Augsburg Tel. +49 (0)821 2292711, Fax +49 (0)821 2292712 info@smoothentertainment.de www.smoothentertainment.de Redacción / Redaktion / Editorial Staff: Sandra Hoffmann, Pilar Sáez Madrona, Christian Bössner Director de proyecto / Projektleiter / Project Manager: Christian Bössner Diseño / Gestaltung / Layout: Christian Bössner Ventas de anuncios / Anzeigenverkauf / Ad Sales: Christian Bössner Fecha de edición / Erscheinungstermin / Date of publication: 3/2015 Alle Angaben trotz sorgfältiger Bearbeitung ohne Gewähr.

No responsibility is taken for the correctness of the details provided.

Foto de portada / Titelfoto / Cover photo: Cesar Lima

Contenido Inhalt Content Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival Intro .........................................................................................................................3 Saludo / Begrüßung / Salutation ..................................................................4 Reservas / Reservierung / Reservation .......................................................5 Artistas / Künstler / Artists Jonathan Fritzén ..................................................................................................6 Euge Groove ..........................................................................................................7 Melina .....................................................................................................................9 Paul Brown ...........................................................................................................10 Kirk Whalum ........................................................................................................11 John Stoddart .....................................................................................................12 Vincent Ingala .....................................................................................................13 Four80East ...........................................................................................................14 Chuck Loeb ..........................................................................................................15 Banda del Festival / Festivalband / Festival Band ..........................17/19 Ubicación / Location / Location Protur Biomar Gran Hotel & Spa ....................................................................20 Smooth Lifestyle Review Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival 2014 ..............................................22 Review Smooth Jazz Festival Augsburg 2014 .............................................26 Preview Lago Maggiore Smooth Jazz Festival 2015 .................................28 CD Reseñas / CD-Tipps / CD Reviews .........................................................30

Intro | Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival

3

Welcome to the MALLORCA SMOOTH JAZZ FESTIVAL – the only smooth jazz festival in the European Mediterranean area. Actually, in Sa Coma, on the beautiful east coast of the Spanish island Mallorca.

In May, a music festival with unique live music awaits you in the exclusive ambience of the Protur Biomar Gran Hotel & Spa. The 5-star hotel is also the venue and is characterized by an elegant and modern equipment, a full-equipped spa area as well as landscaped gardens and swimming pools (indoor / outdoor). Located only 300 metres from the beach, right on the Punta de n’Amer natural park.

This musical (short) vacation is all about enjoying the finer things in life. Good music.

Good food. Good wine. Good entertainment. Good weather. Good prospects for recovery and a unique experience in the breathtaking scenery of the Mediterranean Sea. On stage, we welcome some of the biggest and most successful international stars of the Contemporary and Smooth Jazz scene. The live concerts take place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening and on Sunday forenoon until afternoon. Additionally there will be an open-air concert in the Església Nova in Son Servera.

We look forward to having a great time, Sandra & Christian

Willkommen beim MALLORCA SMOOTH JAZZ FESTVAL – dem einzigen Smooth Jazz Festival im europäischen Mittelmeerraum. Genau genommen in Sa Coma, an der wunderschönen Ostküste der spanischen Insel Mallorca.

Im Mai erwartet Sie hier ein Musikfestival mit einzigartiger Live-Musik im exklusiven Ambiente des Protur Biomar Gran Hotel & Spa. Das 5-Sterne-Hotel ist zugleich Veranstaltungsort und besticht durch seine elegante und moderne Ausstattung, einen vollwertig ausgestatteten Spa-Bereich sowie gepflegte Garten- und Poolanlagen (outdoor/indoor). Direkt am Naturpark Punta de n’Amer gelegen, ist der Strand von Sa Coma nur 300 Meter entfernt.

In diesem musikalischen (Kurz-) Urlaub gilt es, die schönen Dinge des Lebens zu genießen. Gute Musik. Gutes Essen. Guter Wein. Gute Unterhaltung. Gutes Wetter. Gute Aussichten auf Erholung und ein einzigartiges Erlebnis vor der atemberaubenden Kulisse des Mittelmeers.

Europe‘s Greatest Soul, Funk & Jazz-Party

Auf der Bühne begrüßen wir einige der größten und erfolgreichsten Stars der internationalen Contemporary und Smooth Jazz-Szene. Die Live-Konzerte finden am Donnerstag-, Freitag- und Samstagabend sowie am Sonntagvormittag bis frühen Nachmittag statt. Zusätzlich wird es am Freitagmittag ein Open-Air-Konzert in der Església Nova in Son Servera geben.

Wir freuen uns auf eine tolle Zeit, Sandra & Christian Bienvenidos al MALLORCA SMOOTH JAZZ FESTIVAL, único festival de smooth jazz celebrado en el Mediterráneo, en la atractiva zona turística de Sa Coma (costa este de la isla).

Un evento único con música en directo, en el exclusivo ambiente de Protur Biomar Gran Hotel & Spa. Hotel de 5 estrellas de elegantes instalaciones, que cuenta con una completa área de spa, extensos jardines, piscina exterior y cubierta. Situado a tan sólo 300 metros de la playa, junto al parque natural “Sa Punta de n’Amer”.

Unas breves vacaciones pensadas para disfrutar de la cara más positiva de la vida.

Buena música. Buena comida. Buen vino. Buen entretenimiento. Buen tiempo. Una experiencia única con el impresionante paisaje Mediterráneo como telón de fondo.

La noche del jueves, viernes y sábado damos la bienvenida a las estrellas actualmente más destacadas del panorama internacional del Jazz Contemporáneo y del Smooth Jazz. En la mañana del último día, domingo, finalizará el festival. Adicionalmente se celebrará un concierto al aire libre en la Església Nova de Son Servera.

Esperamos que lo disfrutéis, Sandra y Christian 4

Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival | Salutation

Conciertos En Vivo Live-Konzerte Live Concerts Eventos adicionales Rahmenprogramm Additional Program

Reservas / Reservierung / Reservation Lugar del evento / Veranstaltungsort / Venue Protur Biomar Gran Hotel & Spa | C./ Baladres, 5 | 07560 Sa Coma, Mallorca Entradas para conciertos / Konzerttickets / Concert Tickets

Martes, 28 de abril / Dienstag, 28. April / Tuesday, April 28 19:30 h Cena Gala Bienvenida con los ARTISTAS Willkommens-Gala-Dinner mit KÜNSTLERN und Musikern Welcome Gala Dinner with the ARTISTS and musicians 21:30 h Concierto Pre-Festival en el Piano Bar Pre-Festivalkonzert in der Piano Bar Pre-festival concert at the Piano Bar Miércoles, 29 de abril / Mittwoch, 29. April / Wednesday, April 29 10:00 h Excursión a Palma de Mallorca Tagesausflug nach Palma de Mallorca Day excursion to Palma de Mallorca 21:30 h Concierto Pre-Festival en el Piano Bar Pre-Festivalkonzert in der Piano Bar Pre-festival concert at the Piano Bar

Jueves | Viernes | Sábado | Domingo: Entrada de dia 55,00 Euro por persona Donnerstag | Freitag | Samstag | Sonntag: Tagesticket 55,00 Euro pro Person Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday: Day Ticket 55,00 Euro per Person Paquetes de hotel / Hotelpakete / Hotel Packages Desde 3 noches (30 Abril - 3 Mayo 2015) incluye media pensión y ocho conciertos: desde 462,00 Euro por persona (habitación doble) Ab 3 Übernachtungen (30. April - 3. Mai 2015) inklusive Halbpension und acht Konzerte: ab 462,00 Euro pro Person im Doppelzimmer From 3 overnight stays (April 30 - May 3, 2015) including half-board and eight concerts: from 462,00 Euro per person in a double room Contacto / Kontakt / Contact Ticket-Hotline: (+34) 971 587 520 | www.mallorca.smoothjazzfestival.de

Jueves, 30 de abril / Donnerstag, 30. April / Thursday, April 30

Jueves, 30 de abril / Donnerstag, 30. April / Thursday, April 30

10:00 h Excursión a Porto Cristo y las Cuevas del Drach Halbtages-Ausflug nach Porto Cristo & die Drachenhöhlen Half-day excursion to Porto Cristo & its Caves of Drach

20:15 h 21:00 h 22:30 h 24:00 h

Viernes, 1 de mayo / Freitag, 1. Mai / Friday, May 1

Viernes, 1 de mayo / Freitag, 1. Mai / Friday, May 1

10:00 h Excursión a Son Servera - mercado trad. y a concierto Halbtages-Ausflug nach Son Servera - trad. Markt & Konzert Half-day excursion to Son Servera - trad. market & concert 11:30 h Concierto 9: MELINA & Friends en la Església Nova Open-Air-Konzert 9: MELINA & Friends in Església Nova Open air concert 9: MELINA & Friends in Església Nova

20:15 h 21:00 h 22:30 h 24:00 h

Sábado, 2 de mayo / Samstag, 2. Mai / Saturday, May 2

Sábado, 2 de mayo / Samstag, 2. Mai / Saturday, May 2

10:00 h Actividades diversas de anfitrión Div. Aktivitäten auf dem Hotelgelände Several activities on the hotel area

20:15 h 21:00 h 22:30 h 24:00 h

Domingo, 3 de mayo / Sonntag, 3. Mai / Saturday, May 3

Domingo, 3 de mayo / Sonntag, 3. Mai / Sunday, May 3

21:30 h Concierto Post-Festival en el Piano Bar Post-Festivalkonzert in der Piano Bar Post-festival concert at the Piano Bar

10:15 h 11:00 h 12:15 h 14:00 h

Entrada / Einlass / Entrance Concierto 1 / Konzert 1 / Concert 1: JONATHAN FRITZÉN Concierto 2 / Konzert 2 / Concert 2: EUGE GROOVE Aftershow Chillout

Entrada / Einlass / Entrance Concierto 3 / Konzert 3 / Concert 3: PAUL BROWN Concierto 4 / Konzert 4 / Concert 4: KIRK WHALUM Aftershow Chillout

Entrada / Einlass / Entrance Concierto 5 / Konzert 5 / Concert 5: JOHN STODDART Concierto 6 / Konzert 6 / Concert 6: VINCENT INGALA Aftershow Chillout

Entrada / Einlass / Entrance Concierto 7 / Konzert 7 / Concert 7: FOUR80EAST Concierto 8 / Konzert 8 / Concert 8: CHUCK LOEB Fin de Festival / Ende des Festivals / End of the festival

Reservation | Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival

5

JONATHAN FRITZÉN Discography Fritzenized (2015) Magical (2012) Diamonds (2010) VIP (2009) Love Birds (2008) www.jonathanfritzen.com

Jonathan Fritzén live Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival 2015 el jueves, 30 de abril, 21:00 hrs am Donnerstag, 30. April, 21:00 Uhr on Thursday, April 30, 9:00 pm

Get Fritzénized Jonathan Fritzén ist der Sohn einer schwedischen Mutter und eines amerikanischen Vaters und wurde in Stockholm geboren. Er wuchs in einer musikalischen Familie auf und begann als kleines Kind, Schlagzeug zu spielen. Später kamen Piano, Bass, Gitarre, Flöte und Gesang hinzu. Während seiner Ausbildung an der Royal Academy of Music in Stockholm erhielt er als einer der ersten Studenten seinen Master-Abschluss in Jazz. Im Alter von 22 war er bereits mehrmals im nationalen schwedischen Fernsehen aufgetreten und tourte mit einigen der angesehensten Jazzmusiker des Landes. Drei Jahre später nahm er „Love Birds” auf und war damit der erste schwedische Pianist, der eine Smooth Jazz-CD veröffentlichte. Andere CDs folgten, stürmten sowohl die Billboard Airplay- als auch die Amazon.com-Verkaufscharts und zeichneten ihn als Meister des herrlich zugänglichen zeitgenössischen Jazz aus. Auf seinen zahlreichen Tourneen ist Jonathan in Europa, Asien und den USA unterwegs.

Mit seiner jüngsten Veröffentlichung „Fritzenized“ (2015) hat er nun ein neues Kapitel aufgeschlagen…

6

Artists | Jonathan Fritzén

Jonathan Fritzén was born in Stockholm to a Swedish mother and an American father. He grew up in a musical family and started playing drums as a young child. He later added piano, bass, guitar, flute and vocals, whilst during his formal training at the Royal Academy of Music in Stockholm he became one of the first students to receive a Masters degree in jazz. By the age of 22 Jonathan had performed on national Swedish television several times and toured with some of the countries most respected jazz musicians. Three years later he recorded ‚Love Birds‘ and in doing so he made his mark as the first Swedish pianist to release a smooth jazz CD. Others followed, made him conquer both the Billboard airplay charts and the Amazon.com sales charts and marked Fritzén out as the master of delightfully accessible contemporary jazz. Jonathan’s touring schedule spans Europe, the fareast and the USA. With his latest release ‚Fritzenized‘ (2015) he has started to write a new chapter…

Jonathan Fritzén nacido en Estocolmo, es hijo de madre sueca y padre estadounidense. Creció en una familia de músicos y siendo un niño empezó a tocar la batería. Más tarde, vendrían el piano, el bajo, la guitarra, la flauta y el canto; mientras cursaba sus estudios en la Royal Academy of Music en Estocolmo fue uno de los primeros estudiantes en recibir un Máster en la categoría Jazz. A la edad de 22 años ya había actuado varias veces en la televisión nacional sueca y había recorrido algunos países con los músicos más respetados del jazz. Tres años más tarde sacó al mercado ‚Love Birds‘ llegando a ser el primer pianista sueco que realizaba un disco de smooth jazz. Le siguieron otros discos, que han conquistado tanto la lista de éxitos Airplay como la venta de éxitos en Amazon.com y gracias a esto Fritzén fue nombrado gran maestro del jazz contemporáneo. Sus numerosas giras recorren Europa, Asia y los Estados Unidos. Con su nuevo disco ‚Fritzenized‘ (2015) ha iniciado un nuevo capítulo en su carrera…

Groovin‘ allrounder Saxophonist, composer, producer and radio host Steven Eugene Grove, born in Hagerstown, Maryland, grew up in a musical home.

He began to play the piano at the age of seven, adding the saxophone at nine. Two saxophonists had a profound effect on his approach to playing: Marcel Mule and David Sanborn. Through the years, Euge’s love of Jazz, R&B, Gospel and Blues, fused with Pop music, have all come together to inform his personalized sound.

A graduate of the University of Miami’s School of Music, Euge launched his professional career in Miami in the mid 80s, playing in Salsa bands, top 40 club bands and doing occasional high profile session dates. In 1987 he moved to L.A., wrote a track for Richard Elliot and Elliot recommended Euge to take over his spot in Tower of Power. His resume grew from there to include recording, touring or performing stints with Joe Cocker, Eurythmics, Elton John, Eros Ramazotti and Richard Marx. In 1999, the saxophonist paved the way for his eventual solo stardom by recording some tracks of his own. Without a record label to distribute the music, Euge put his songs on the now-defunct MP3. com website and was soon topping the MP3.com Jazz charts. He signed soon thereafter with Warner Bros; his Shanachie debut was in 2009. In his career he has already landed numerous # 1 hits.

El saxofonista, compositor, productor y anfitrión de unos de los programas de radio, Steven Eugene Grove nació en Hagerstown, Maryland, y creció en una familia dedicada al mundo de la música. Comenzó a tocar el piano a la edad de siete años y el saxofón a los nueve. Los saxofonistas, Marcel Mule y David Sanborn influyeron enormemente en su forma de tocar, con el paso de los años moldeó además su amor por el jazz, R&B, gospel y blues que fusionó con elementos del pop surgiendo así un sonido muy personal.

Después de terminar sus estudios en la University of Miami’s School of Music, Euge arrancó su carrera profesional a mediados de los años 80 en Miami donde tocaba en grupos de salsa y en ocaciones respaldaba a grandes bandas en clubes. En 1987 se mudó a Los Ángeles allí compuso una canción para Richard Elliot y éste le aconsejó hacerse cargo de su spot en “Tower of Power“.

Su curriculum fue engrosándose a partir de ahí para incluir grabaciones, giras o periodos de actuaciones con Joe Cocker, Eurythmics, Elton John, Eros Ramazotti y Richard Marx. En 1999, el saxofonista lanzó su carrera en solitario: grabó discos, vendió a través de internet y pronto encabezó las listas de éxitos MP3.com de jazz, a esto le siguió la firma del contrato con Warner Bros, su estreno Shanachie llegó más tarde en 2009. En su carrera profesional ya ha alcanzado la lista de éxitos de números 1.

Der Saxofonist, Komponist, Produzent und Gastgeber einer Radioshow Steven Eugene Grove wurde in Hagerstown, Maryland, geboren und wuchs in einem musikalischen Zuhause auf. Im Alter von sieben Jahren begann er Klavier zu spielen, zwei Jahre später kam das Saxofon dazu. Sein Spiel haben vor allem die Saxofonisten Marcel Mule und David Sanborn beeinflusst; über die Jahre formte überdies seine Liebe zu Jazz, R&B, Gospel und Blues, die er mit Pop-Elementen mischte, seinen ganz persönlichen Sound. Nachdem er sein Studium an der University of Miami’s School of Music abgeschlossen hatte, startete Euge seine Karriere Mitte der 80er in Miami, indem er in Salsa- und Club-Bands spielte und ab und an hochkarätigere Bands unterstützte. 1987 zog er nach L. A. um, schrieb einen Song für Richard Elliot und übernahm auf dessen Empfehlung hin seine Position in „Tower of Power“. Von da an gewann seine Karriere an Fahrt und er arbeitete zusammen mit Künstlern wie Joe Cocker, Eurythmics, Elton John, Eros Ramazotti und Richard Marx. 1999 startete er seine Solokarriere: Er nahm Platten auf, vertrieb sie über das Internet und führte bald die MP3.com Jazz charts an. Darauf folgte ein Plattenvertrag mit Warner Bros; später wechselte er zu Shanachie. In seiner Laufbahn hat er bereits eine ganze Reihe #1-Hits gelandet.

Euge Groove live Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival 2015 el jueves, 30 de abril, 22:30 hrs am Donnerstag, 30. April, 22:30 Uhr on Thursday, April 30, 10:30 pm

Image: Cesar Lima

EUGE GROOVE Discography Got 2 Be Groovin’ (2014) House Of Groove (2012) S7ven Large (2011) Sunday Morning (2009) Born2Groove (2007) Just feels right (2005) Livin’ Large (2004) Play Date (2002) Euge Groove (2000) www.eugegroove.com

Euge Groove | Artists

7

8

Festival Partner

A voice as big as Texas “Es siempre emocionante descubrir nuevos talentos“dice Paul Brown. El productor, guitarrista y cantante a la vez ganador del Grammy está convencido: “No ocurre a menudo descubrir cantantes como Melina, su carrera acaba de despegar, me envió algunas audiciones y así pude oir un poco de Linda Ronstadt y otras de Adele en una voz que es tan grande como el Estado de Texas“.

Melina creció en San Antonio, Texas y ya cantaba desde la infancia. Cuando se hizo mayor, cantaba en bodas, festivales y en coros de iglesias, también participó en concursos de talentos y en 2012 decidió jugárselo todo a una carta: fundó su propio grupo de música, tocó en innumerables actuaciones, conciertos y festivales de jazz en San Antonio. Melina inauguró el espectáculo para Jessy J. en el Festival de Divas del Jazz que tiene lugar anualmente. Al enterarse de que los álbumes de éxitos y los singles números 1 de Jessy J. habían sido producidos por Paul, Melina le envió un correo electrónico con algunas de sus canciones, Paul se sorprendió enseguida de su conmovedora y poderosa voz y la invitó a Los Ángeles. Juntos trabajaron en su primer álbum en el que presenta su polifacética voz con un toque de Pop, Jazz, R&B, Rock y Gospel.

Melina live Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival 2015 el viernes, 1 de mayo, 11:30 hrs am Freitag, 1. Mai, 11:30 Uhr on Friday, May 1, 11:30 am

„Es ist immer aufregend, neue Talente zu entdecken”, sagt Paul Brown. Der Produzent, Gitarrist und Sänger – zugleich Grammypreisträger – ist überzeugt: „Es kommt nicht oft vor, dass man Sänger wie Melina entdeckt. Ihre Karriere steht noch ganz am Anfang. Sie schickte mir einige ihrer Demos und darauf konnte ich ein bisschen Linda Ronstadt und einiges von Adele in einer Stimme hören, die –und das meine ich ernst – so groß wie Texas ist. “Melina wuchs auf in San Antonio, Texas, und hat schon als Kind gesungen. Als sie älter wurde, sang sie bei Hochzeiten, Festivals und in Kirchenchören. Sie nahm auch an Talentshows teil und 2012 beschloss Melina, alles auf eine Karte zu setzen. Sie gründete eine Band und spielte jede Menge Gigs in und um San Antonio, darunter auch viele Jazz-Konzerte und -Festivals. Bei dem alljährlichen Divas of Jazz Festival im vergangenen Jahr in San Antonio, eröffnete sie die Show für Jessy J. Als sie erfuhr, dass Paul Jessys Alben und # 1-Singles produziert hatte, mailte sie ihm einige ihrer Songs. Er war sofort von ihrer emotionalen, kraftvollen Stimme begeistert und lud sie nach L.A. ein. Gemeinsam arbeiteten sie an ihrem ersten Album, auf dem sie ihre facettenreiche Stimme mit einem Hauch von Pop, Jazz, R&B, Rock und Gospel präsentiert.

“It’s always a thrill to discover new talent,” Paul Brown says. The Grammy winning producer, guitarist and singer is convinced: ‘When it comes to vocalists, it’s rare to find someone like Melina who is at that stage where she’s just starting her career. She sent me some of her early demos and I heard a little Linda Ronstadt and some Adele in a voice that’s seriously as big as Texas.” Melina grew up in San Antonio, Texas, and has always been singing. As she got older, she sang at weddings, festivals and in church choirs. She also participated in talent shows and in 2012 Melina decided to just go for it, forming her own band and doing a lot of gigs in and around San Antonio. She has performed at several Jazz Concerts and Festivals. At the annual Divas of Jazz Festival last year in San Antonio, she opened for saxophonist Jessy J. When she learned that Jessy’s hit albums and #1 singles were produced by Paul, she emailed him some of her songs. He was struck by both the emotional subtlety and power of her voice. Together they worked on her first album, on which she presents her multiple vocal shades with touches of pop, jazz, R&B, rock and gospel.

MELINA Discography Wishing On Love (2014) www.melinamusic.net

Melina | Artists

9

Blues Brother Brown Paul Brown live Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival 2015 el viernes, 1 de mayo, 21:00 hrs am Freitag, 1. Mai, 21:00 Uhr on Friday, May 1, 9:00 pm

El talento de Paul Brown como artista y productor le han valido dos premios Grammy y una impresionante sucesión de más de 50 éxitos número uno en la listas de Radio & Discos del smooth jazz y jazz contemporáneo. En una ilustre carrera, que abarca más de dos décadas, Brown ha trabajado en proyectos para artistas tan influyentes como George Benson, Al Jarreau, Kirk Whalum, Patti Austin, Norman Brown, Luther Vandross, Larry Carlton, Euge Groove, Boney James, Rick Braun, o Peter White, entre muchos otros. Brown nació y se crio en Los Ángeles. Empezó a tocar la batería a la edad de cinco años y cogió su primera guitarra con 7 años. Después de estudiar música y matemáticas en la Universidad de Oregon, Brown regresó a Los Ángeles y comenzó su ascenso a la fama produciendo algunos de los éxitos más grandes del jazz contemporáneo. En 2004, finalmente decidió abandonar la silla de productor y se lanzó como músico intérprete con su gran CD debut ‚Up Front‘.

El álbum ‚Love You Found Me‘(2010) destacó más que nunca su conmovedora voz, lo que le valió una nominación como “Mejor Vocalista“en el 2011 en los premios Canadienses de Smooth Jazz. En su séptimo álbum en solitario ‚Truth B Told‘ (2014) profundiza aún más en el ámbito del soul y blues tocando exaltado y con gran entusiasmo su Gibson Johnny Smith L-5 de 1963.

Paul Brown’s Talent und musikalisches Feingefühl als Künstler und Produzent wurde mit zwei Grammy Awards und der beeindruckenden Anzahl von mehr als 50 # 1-Hits in den Contemporary und Smooth Jazz Radio- und Verkaufs-Charts belohnt. In seiner illustren Karriere arbeitete Brown an gemeinsamen Projekten mit einigen der einflussreichsten Künstler, wie George Benson, Al Jarreau, Kirk Whalum, Patti Austin, Norman Brown, Luther Vandross, Larry Carlton, Euge Groove, Boney James, Rick Braun, Peter White und vielen anderen. Paul Brown, geboren und aufgewachsen in L.A., begann mit fünf Jahren Schlagzeug zu spielen und nahm zwei Jahre später seine erste Gitarre in die Hand. Er studierte Musik an der Universität von Oregon. Zurück in L.A. begann mit der Produktion einiger der größten Hits des Contemporary Jazz sein Aufstieg. Seit 2004 ist er auch als Solokünstler erfolgreich und veröffentlichte seine Debüt-CD „Up Front”. 2011 wurde er als „Best Vocalist of the Year” bei den Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards nominiert. Auf seinem siebten Solo-Album „Truth B Told“ (2014) taucht er tief in die Gefilde von Soul und Blues ein und spielt seine 1963er Gibson Johnny Smith L-5 kantig und mit voller Hingabe.

Paul Brown’s talent as artist and producer have earned him two Grammy Awards and an impressive string of more than 50 # 1 hits on Radio & Records’ contemporary and smooth jazz chart. In an illustrious career, Brown has worked on projects for such influential artists as George Benson, Al Jarreau, Kirk Whalum, Patti Austin, Norman Brown, Luther Vandross, Larry Carlton, Euge Groove, Boney James, Rick Braun, and Peter White, among many others. Brown was born and raised in L.A. He started playing drums at the age of five and picked up his first guitar two years later. After studying music at the University of Oregon, Brown returned to L.A. and began his rise to fame producing some of the biggest hits in contemporary jazz. In 2004, he finally stepped out from behind the producer’s chair and released his debut CD ‚Up Front‘. He earned a nomination for “Best Vocalist” at the 2011 Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards. On his seventh solo album ‚Truth B Told‘ (2014) he’s digging deeper into soul and blues, playing his 1963 Gibson Johnny Smith L-5 edgier and with more abandon.

10 Artists | Paul Brown

PAUL BROWN Discography Truth B Told (2014) The Funky Joint (2012) Love You Found Me (2010) Foreign Xchange (2009) White Sand (2007) The City J (2005) Up Front (2004) www.paulbrownjazz.com

You will always love him Gefühlvoll, leidenschaftlich, rührend – das sind die Worte, die die Musik von Kirk Whalum am besten beschreiben. Geprägt von seinen Gospelwurzeln in Memphis, ist der unverkennbare Tenor-Sound zu seinem Markenzeichen geworden. Im Laufe der 80er trat Kirk aus seiner Rolle als Sideman heraus und gründete seine eigene Band. In Houston entdeckte ihn Jazz-Pianist Bob James und ermöglichte ihm eine Tournee – in dieser Zeit veröffentlichte er „Cache”, sein erstes # 1-Album. Zudem wurden Kirk und Bob für ihr Album „Joined at the Hip“ für den Grammy nominiert. Mit seinem Umzug nach L.A. wurde Kirk zum gefragter Session-Musiker für Top-Künstler wie Barbra Streisand, Al Jarreau, Luther Vandross, Quincy Jones und Whitney Houston. In Houstons MegaHit „I Will Always Love You“ spielte er Saxophon. Für sein musikalisches Können ist Kirk u. a. mit zwei Stellar-Awards geehrt worden – die höchste Auszeichnung der GospelMusik. Nachdem er bereits elfmal für den Grammy nominiert war, hat Kirk 2011 seinen ersten Grammy für den besten Gospel Song („It’s What I do“) gewonnen. Seine jüngste Veröffentlichung „Romance Language” ist eine Hommage an das von vielen verehrte Balladen-Album von John Coltrane und Johnny Hartman aus dem Jahre 1963.

Sentimental, apasionada, emocionante… son las mejores palabras para describir la música de Kirk Whalum. En Memphis, Tennessee, se dejó impregnar por las raíces del gospel, su sonido de tenor se ha convertido en su sello inconfundible. En los 80, Kirk dejó de ser músico de estudio y formó su propio grupo. Fue en Houston donde fue descubierto por el pianista de jazz Bob James y le acompañó en una gira a la que preceden cinco exitosos álbumes, incluso ‚Caché‘, su primer álbum número 1. Kirk y Bob recibieron una nominación Grammy por su colaboración en el álbum ‚Joined at the Hip‘. Después de mudarse a Los Ángeles, Kirk se convirtió en uno de los músicos de sesión más demandados por artistas consagrados como Barbara Streisand, Al Jarreau, Luther Vandross, Quincy Jones y, notablemente por Whitney Houston con la que colaboró tocando el saxofón en el súper éxito ‚I Will Always Love You‘. Por su capacidad musical Kirk ha sido galardonado con dos estrellas Awards, el máximo premio de la música gospel. Después de estar nominado once veces, Kirk ganó en 2011 su primer Grammy por la mejor canción Gospel (‚It’s What I do‘). En su último trabajo ‚Romance Language‘ rinde homenaje a las muchas baladas de John Coltrane y Johnny Hartman del año 1963.

Soulful, passionate, stirring…these are the words most often used to describe Kirk’s music. Forged from his Memphis, TN gospel roots, Kirk’s big, rich tenor sound is unmistakably his. The 80’s were highlighted by Kirk’s stepping out of his blossoming sideman role and forming his own band. It was in Houston where jazz pianist Bob James “discovered” him and brought him on tour, which led to five successful albums, including ‚Cache‘, Kirk’s first #1 album. As well, Kirk and Bob received a Grammy nomination for their collaboration album ‚Joined at the Hip‘. After moving to L.A., Kirk became an in demand session player for top artists like Barbra Streisand, Al Jarreau, Luther Vandross, Quincy Jones and, most notably, Whitney Houston. It’s his sax heard on the mega-hit, ‚I Will Always Love You‘. Amongst other awards, Kirk has won two Stellar Awards – Gospel music’s highest honor. An eleven time Grammy nominee, Kirk won his first Grammy award for Best Gospel Song (‚It’s What I Do‘) in 2011. On his latest release ‚Romance Language‘ Kirk pays homage to the much revered 1963 ballads album of John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman.

Kirk Whalum live Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival 2015 el viernes, 1 de mayo, 22:30 hrs am Freitag, 1. Mai, 22:30 Uhr on Friday, May 1, 10:30 pm

KIRK WHALUM Discography Romance Language (2011) Everything Is Everything: The Music Of Donny Hathaway (2010) The Gospel According To Jazz Chapter III (2010) Promises Made (2008) Roundtrip (2007) Ultimate (2007) Kirk Whalum Performs The Babyface Songbook (2005) Into My Soul (2003) The Gospel According To Jazz Chapter II (2002) The Best of Kirk Whalum (2002) etc. www.kirkwhalum.com

Kirk Whalum | Artists 11

Singer-songwriter... ...and producer John Stoddart creció en una familia de músicos, desde muy temprano cantaba y tocaba el piano en la iglesia. En 1993 terminó sus estudios de Piano y Canto en la Washington Adventist University.

Pronto se ganó un renombre como cantante de sesión improvisada, arreglista, compositor y como productor, trabajó con artistas tales como Boney James, Al Jarreau, Céline Dion, Patti Austin y Bob James. John ha colaborado también con saxofonistas como el co-productor, arreglista Kirk Whalum y/o músicos en varios discos de Kirk Whalum nominados a los Grammy. John fue el productor de la canción de Whalum ‚It’s What I Do‘ la cual ganó un Grammy en 2011. Su composición ‚I Still Believe‘ (del disco ‚Faith | Hope | Love‘) salió a la venta en primer lugar en el álbum ‚Just Chillin‘del guitarrista Norman Brown con el que ganó el Premio Award como ‚Mejor Álbum Pop Instrumental‘. A pesar de que John comparte a menudo su talento con otros músicos es uno de los principales artistas en solitario con más éxito. Cinco de seis de sus álbumes han sido publicados por su propia casa discográfica. Su último trabajo ‚Faith | Hope | Love‘ es una antología sentimental de canciones de amor.

JOHN STODDART Discography Faith | Hope | Love (2010) Faces (2008) Sweet (2006) Wings To Walk This Road (2003) Love So Real (1998) A Not So Silent Night (1998) www.johnstoddart.com

John Stoddart live Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival 2015 el sábado, 2 de mayo, 21:00 hrs am Samstag, 2. Mai, 21:00 Uhr on Saturday, May 2, 9:00 pm John grew up in a musical family and was singing and playing the piano in church very soon. In 1993, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Piano and Voice from Washington Adventist. He quickly began to accrue credits as a session vocalist, arranger, songwriter and producer with artists such as Boney James, Al Jarreau, Celine Dion, Patti Austin, Will Downing and Bob James. John has also partnered with saxophonist Kirk Whalum as co-producer, arranger and/or musician on several of Kirk’s Grammy-nominated recordings. John was the associate producer on Whalum’s song ‚It’s What I Do‘, which won a Grammy in 2011. John’s composition ‚I Still Believe‘, (on ‚Faith | Hope | Love‘), was first featured on guitarist Norman Brown’s album ‚Just Chillin‘, which won the Grammy award for Best Pop Instrumental Album. While John is a soughtafter collaborator, he is first and foremost a solo artist who records and tours on his own when he’s not sharing his gift with other artists. Five of his six albums have been released on his own label. His latest release ‚Faith | Hope | Love‘ is a soulful collection of inspirational love songs.

12 Artists | John Stoddart

John Stoddart ist in einer musikalischen Familie aufgewachsen. Schon früh hat er in der Kirche gesungen und Klavier gespielt. 1993 erwarb er einen Bachelor of Arts in Klavier und Gesang an der Washington Adventist University. Er machte sich schnell einen Namen als Session-Sänger, Arrangeur, Songwriter sowie Produzent und arbeitete mit Künstlern zusammen wie Boney James, Al Jarreau, Celine Dion, Patti Austin sowie Bob James. John hat mit dem Saxophonisten Kirk Whalum als Co-Produzent, Arrangeur und/ oder Musiker auf mehreren von Kirks Grammy-nominierten Aufnahmen zusammengearbeitet.

John war Associate Producer von Whalums Song „It’s What I Do “, der 2011 einen Grammy gewann. Seine Komposition „I Still Believe” (auf „Faith | Hope | Love”) wurde zuerst auf dem Album „Just Chillin‘“ von Gitarrist Norman Brown veröffentlicht, der dafür den Grammy Award „Best Pop Instrumental Album“ gewann. Auch wenn John sein Talent oft mit anderen Musikern teilt, ist er in erster Linie ein erfolgreicher Solo-Künstler. Fünf seiner sechs Alben hat er auf seinem eigenen Label veröffentlicht. Die neueste Veröffentlichung „Faith | Hope | Love” ist eine gefühlvolle Sammlung von Liebesliedern.

Vincent Ingala live Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival 2015 el sábado, 2 de mayo, 22:30 hrs am Samstag, 2. Mai, 22:30 Uhr on Saturday, May 2, 10:30 pm

Saxy younggun El multi-instrumentista, compositor y productor Vincent Ingala recibió su primera batería a la edad de cuatro años, más tarde, le regalaron una guitarra y después de nueve meses de clase ya rasgueaba de oído melodías de Elvis Presley. Esto fue algo que continuó confirmándose en el quinto curso de sus estudios de música al dominar el teclado antes que el saxofón. Finalmente, Vincent había encontrado su sonido: quedó entusiasmado y el resto es historia. Y así inició el primer capítulo profesional con el estreno del álbum ‚North End Soul‘. Vincent pronto compartió escenario con artistas tales como Peter White y contó como nunca con multitudinarios fans. Un año después del estreno de su álbum publicó ‚Can’t Stop Now‘también un gran triunfo. Desde entonces, la carrera de Vincent evoluciona desorbitadamente: actúa como artista en solitario en el famoso Festival de Jazz en Newport Beach y Catalina Island y estuvo en algunos Koz Cruises. Además fue de gira con Marion Meadows y Paul Taylor en ‚Sax & The City‘.

Der Songtexter und Produzent Vincent Ingala spielt viele Instrumente. Seine erste Trommel kauften ihm seine Eltern im Alter von vier Jahren. Später bekam er eine Gitarre geschenkt und nach nur neun Monaten Unterricht klimperte er schon Melodien von Elvis Presley nach Gehör. Dass da etwas Besonderes im Gange ist, bestätigte sich, als sich Vincent in der fünften Klasse erst das Keyboardspielen aneignete, um es kurz darauf gegen das Saxofon einzutauschen.

Schließlich hatte Vincent seinen Sound gefunden: Er war begeistert und der Rest ist Geschichte. Und diese schrieb ihr erstes professionelles Kapitel mit dem Debut Album „North End Soul“. Vincent teilte bald die Bühne mit Künstlern wie Peter White und baute sich eine wachsende Fangemeinde auf. Ein Jahr nach seinem Debütalbum veröffentlichte er „Can’t Stop Now“ – ebenfalls ein voller Erfolg. Seither entwickelt sich Vincent’s Karriere rasant: Er tritt als Solo-Künstler auf namhaften Jazz-Festivals in Newport Beach und Catalina Island auf und war schon auf einigen Koz-Cruises dabei. Zudem tourt er mit Marion Meadows und Paul Taylor als „Sax & The City“.

VINCENT INGALA Discography Can’t Stop Now (2012) North End Soul (2010) www.vincentingala.com

Multi-instrumentalist, writer and producer Vincent Ingala was given his first drum set at the age of four. Later, he was given his first guitar and after only nine months of lessons in third grade, was strumming Elvis tunes that he had perfected by ear. That there was something special going on was confirmed when in fifth grade he mastered the keyboard before trading it in for the saxophone. Finally, Vincent had found his sound: He was hooked and the rest is history. And the first “professional chapter” of this began with the debut album ‘North End Soul’. Vincent soon played with artists such as Peter White and built an ever growing fan-base. Vincent’s follow up album was ‘Can’t Stop Now’ – also a great success. Since then, Vincent’s career developed rapidly: He appears as a solo artist at major jazz festivals in Newport Beach and Catalina Iceland and was already on some Koz Cruises. He also joined forces with Marion Meadows and Paul Taylor; together they are touring as ‘Sax & The City’.

Vincent Ingala | Artists 13

Four80East live Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival 2015 el domingo, 3 de mayo, 11:00 hrs am Sonntag, 3. Mai, 11:00 Uhr on Sunday, May 3, 11:00 am

FOUR80EAST Discography Four80East Live (2014) Off Duty (2012) Roll On (2009) En Route (2007) Round Three (2002) Nocturnal (2001) The Album (1997) www.four80east.com

14 Artists | Four80East

Four80East es un colectivo electro – jazz en el que todo gira en torno al “groove”. El dúo canadiense del productor y compositor Rob DeBoer y Tony Grace fusionando el jazz con el soul y la electrónica production/dance han creado un estilo de bajo propio. El éxito lo consiguieron con su primer álbum “The Album” en 1997.

Four80East ha sido un pilar fundamental en la radio de jazz contemporáneo y ha realizado giras con éxitos como “Eastside” y “Noodle Soup”, han lanzado al mercado cinco álbumes posteriores. Aunque el grupo vio la luz como proyecto de estudio, DeBoer y Grace han sido capaces de sacar complejas y dinámicas producciones acústicas sobre el escenario con la ayuda de muchos músicos de élite mundial. En sus directos al frente del grupo le acompañan su teclado, guitarra y bajo en el escenario. A pesar de sus 20 años de experiencia en el mundo de la música, siempre han vuelto a reinventarse y continúan poniendo su auténtico sello en el jazz contemporáneo. Para ellos la música es ante todo ¡emoción, frescura y groovy!

Four80East ist ein Elektro-JazzKollektiv, bei dem sich alles um „den Groove” dreht. Das kanadische Produzenten- und Songwriter-Duo Rob DeBoer und Tony Grace mischt Jazz mit Soul und elektronischer Produktion/ Dance und hat so seinen Bass getriebenen Signature-Sound geschaffen. Den Durchbruch schafften sie mit ihrem ersten Album „The Album” 1997. Seither haben sie fünf weitere veröffentlicht und sind aus dem zeitgenössischen Jazz-Radiound Tourprogramm nicht mehr wegzudenken. Obwohl die Band das Licht der Welt als Studioprojekt erblickte, haben es DeBoer und Grace mit Hilfe vieler Weltklasse-Session-Musiker geschafft, ihre vielschichtigen Klangproduktionen energiegeladen auf die Bühne zu bringen.

Dabei tritt bei den Liveshows DeBoer, der Keyboard, Gitarre und Bass spielt, als Frontmann auf. Und obwohl sie schon seit 20 Jahren im Business sind, erfinden sie sich immer wieder neu, verpassen dem Contemporary Jazz immer wieder ihren Stempel – denn für sie geht es in der Musik vor allem um eins: Bleibe aufregend, fresh und groovy!

Four80East is an electro-jazz collective that’s all about the groove.

Mixing jazz with soul music and electronic production/dance, the Canadian producer duo of Rob DeBoer and Tony Grace have created their very special signature bass-propelled sound.

Since breaking out with their critically acclaimed first release ‘The Album’ in 1997, Four80East has been a mainstay on contemporary jazz radio and touring circuits with hits like ‘Eastside’ and ‘Noodle Soup’ and five subsequent albums. Although the “band“ was born as a studio project, DeBoer and Grace have been able to transform their layered and captivating sonic productions into a high-energy live show with the help of many world class session musicians who join them on stage. DeBoer, a multi-instrumentalist who plays keyboards, guitar and bass, fronts the band on their live performances. For 20 years as producers and songwriters and almost as long as Four80East, they’ve reinvented themselves time and time again and are continually putting their unique twist on contemporary jazz. For them music is all about being fresh and exciting and all about the groove!

Images: 2014 Boomtang Records

Groovy: Jazz meets Electronic

The Renaissance Man El nominado guitarrista, compositor y productor al Grammy Chuck Loeb se dedica a la industria de la música desde hace más de cuatro gloriosas décadas. Es un artista de éxitos números uno de jazz, compositor de más de 250 canciones publicadas como de melodías para programas de televisión, productor de más de 30 artistas de éxitos mundialmente conocidos y profesor de música, también es miembro de Fourplay y del grupo fusión Metro.

Chuck es natural de Nyack, Nueva York, y estudió Guitarra, Composición y Arreglos en la Berklee College of Music. Hasta hoy día posee 20 años de experiencia como músico de estudio con miles de sesiones cuya diversidad musical va del jazz, pop, rock & roll y broadway hasta la música clásica y música folk. En su ilustre carrera ha tocado, ha realizado giras, ha compuesto y producido discos para Bob James, Carly Simon, Bob Dylan, Art Garfunkel, Spyro Gyra, Keiko Matsui, Eric Marienthal, Anita Baker, Brian Culbertson, David Benoit, Jeff Lorber, Kim Waters, Chet Baker, Grover Washington, Jr., Earl Klugh…

Grammy nominated guitarist, composer and producer, Chuck Loeb has had a musical career that spans over four decades, and he is proud to be known as a “Renaissance Man” in the music world. He is a #1 jazz recording artist; composer of over 250 published songs, network television show themes and scores; a producer of over thirty world-renowned recording artists; as well as an in-demand clinician and educator.

He is also a member of Fourplay and the fusion band Metro. He hails from Nyack, NY, and studied guitar, composition and arranging at The Berklee College of Music. After nearly twenty years as a seasoned studio musician with thousands of sessions under his belt, Loeb’s musical range spreads from jazz, to pop, to rock & roll, to Broadway, classical and even folk music. In his illustrious career, he has played, toured with, written music and produced recordings for Bob James, Carly Simon, Bob Dylan, Art Garfunkel, Spyro Gyra, Keiko Matsui, Eric Marienthal, Anita Baker, Brian Culbertson, David Benoit, Jeff Lorber, Kim Waters, Chet Baker, Grover Washington, Jr., Earl Klugh…

CHUCK LOEB Discography Silhouette (2013) Between 2 Worlds (2009) The Love Song Collection (2007) Presence (2007) When I‘m With You (2005) eBop (2003) My Shining Hour (2002) In a Heartbeat (2001) Listen (1999) The Moon, the Stars and the Setting Sun (1998) The Music Inside (1996) Simple Things (1994) Mediterranean (1992) etc. www.chuckloeb.com

Bekannt als „Renaissance Man” ist der Grammy nominierte Gitarrist, Komponist und Produzent Chuck Loeb seit über vier Jahrzenten erfolgreich im Musikbusiness tätig. Er war an vielen # 1-Jazzhits beteiligt, hat über 250 veröffentlichte Songs sowie Melodien für TV-Shows geschrieben, produziert mehr als dreißig weltbekannte Künstler und unterrichtet auch Musik. Chuck stammt aus Nyack, NY, und studierte Gitarre, Komposition und Arrangement am Berklee College of Music. Bis dato blickt er zurück auf fast zwanzig Jahre Erfahrung als Studiomusiker sowie Tausende von Sessions, deren musikalische Bandbreite von Jazz über Pop, Rock & Roll und Broadway bis hin zu Klassik und Folk reicht. Ebenso bunt wie sein Repertoire ist die Liste der musikalischen Größen, mit denen er bereits performt, für die er Songs geschrieben oder mit denen er Alben aufgenommen hat: Bob James, Carly Simon, Bob Dylan, Art Garfunkel, Spyro Gyra, Keiko Matsui, Eric Marienthal, Anita Baker, Brian Culbertson, David Benoit, Jeff Lorber, Kim Waters, Chet Baker, Grover Washington, Jr., Earl Klugh…

Chuck Loeb live Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival 2015 el domingo, 3 de mayo, 12:15 hrs am Sonntag, 3. Mai, 12:15 Uhr on Sunday, May 3, 12:15 pm

Chuck Loeb | Artists 15

16 Festival Partner

Banda Del Festival Festivalband Festival Band LUTZ DETERRA Keyboard | Festival Musical Director | www.deterra.de

MARTIN FESKE Guitar El guitarrista Martin Feske, que estudió guitarra en Köln, Alemania y en UNT en Texas / EEUU, ha colaborado durante toda su carrera con numerosos músicos. Entre ellos se encuentran artistas muy diferentes como Till Bronner, Jeff Lorber, Lew Soloff, Peter Fessler Peter Kraus, Bill Ramsey, Andru Donalds y Sasha. Su actividad concertística le ha llevado, entre otros, al Jazzfestival Leverkusen en Berlin y por toda Europa. Trabaja además como jefe del departamento Jazz/Pop de guitarra en la Escuela Oficial de Música en Bocholt y enseña guitarra Jazz/Pop en el Conservatorio de Música de Münster.

Der in Köln und Texas ausgebildete Gitarrist Martin Feske hat im Laufe seiner Karriere mit unzähligen namhaften Musikern zusammengearbeitet, unter ihnen so unterschiedliche Musiker wie Till Brönner, Jeff Lorber, Lew Soloff, Peter Fessler oder Peter Kraus, Bill Ramsey, Andru Donalds und Sasha. Seine Konzerttätigkeit führte ihn u. a. zu den Berliner und Leverkusener Jazztagen, aber auch ins europäische Ausland. Zudem arbeitet er als Fachbereichsleiter der Abteilung Jazz/Pop und Gitarre an der Musikschule Bocholt und ist Dozent für Jazz/Pop-Gitarre an der Musikhochschule Münster.

El pianista, compositor, arreglista y productor ha estado de gira en los escenarios internacionales como el Wembley Hall de Londres o el Kumputa Festival Hall en Kuala Lumpur con instrumentos musicales de la marcaTechnics en 1982. Lutz Deterra es miembro del equipo“Matsushita Music Team” desde 1991, que se dedica al diseño de software de teclados Technichs en Japón, donde conoció al músico de jazz Dave Grusin, con quien más tarde realizó una gira en Inglaterra. Su tremenda capacidad de rápida adaptación y su „rápido oído“ lo han convertido en un solicitado músico de sesión en Alemania. Desde entonces, Lutz Deterra toca en formaciones de banda como teclista en diversos éxitos musicales del mundo, como Starlight Express, Elizabeth, Noches de Miami, Tabaluga y Fiebre del sábado noche. En 1997 lanzó su primer álbum en solitario ‚Out of my poket‘. En 1999 se fue de gira con la banda California Sunset Records Allstar y viajó a través de Europa con estrellas de la escena del jazz de EE.UU. como Nelson Rangell, Nathan East, Rick Braun, Peter White, Eric Marienthal y Gabriela Anders. A esto le siguieron actuaciones junto a Marla Glen en la cadena de televisión alemana ARD, Jennifer Rush en Londres y a actuar hasta en 72 ocasiones en el programa de televisión „Have you ever“, realizado por la cadena VOX. Hasta la fecha, Lutz Deterra prefiere actuar en vivo sobre el escenario. En 2011 publicó su CD ‚Rue Parnasse‘.

The pianist, composer, arranger and producer Lutz Deterra was touring on international stages such as the Wembley Hall in London or the Kumputa Festival Hall in Kuala Lumpur on behalf of the company Technics Musical Instruments from 1982. 1991, Lutz became member of the Matsushita Musician’s team, which was designing the musical software and concepts of Technics keyboards in Japan. In that time, he also met the jazz musician Dave Grusin, with whom he toured in England later. His quick ability to adapt and his “quick ear” made him a popular session musician in Germany. Since then, Lutz Deterra plays in several band formations and as a keyboardist in diverse musical world successes, such as Starlight Express, Elizabeth, Miami Nights, Tabaluga and Saturday Night Fever. In 1997, he released his first solo album ‚Out of my pocket‘. In 1999 he became musical director of the California Sunset Records Allstar Band and toured through Europe with Stars of the U.S. jazz scene like Nelson Rangell, Nathan East, Rick Braun, Peter White, Eric Marienthal and Gabriela Anders. This was followed by engagements with Marla Glen in the ARD (TV), Jennifer Rush in London and 72 times in the TV show “Have you ever” on VOX. Till this date, Lutz Deterra prefers performing live on stage. In 2011, he released his second CD ‚Rue Parnasse‘.

The Festival Band | Artists 17

18 Festival Partner

MARCUS FINNIE Drums | www.marcusfinnie.com

GÜNTER ASBECK Bass | www.guenterasbeck.de Günter Asbeck es un bajista profesional independiente, cantante, compositor, arreglista y productor musical con sede en Köln, Alemania. A través de los años ha trabajado sobre los escenarios y en estudio con artistas como Cascada, Gloria Gaynor, Jennifer Rush, Udo Lindenberg, James Blunt, Hiram Bullock, Sugarbabes, Rick Braun, Anthony Weedon, Slimman, Nathan East, Janita, The Rasmus, etc. Como productor y mezclador formó parte de „Fudge X“ desde 2005 al 2007. Junto con el legendario productor Jan Hammer, creó el tema ‚Crockett Theme - In da house remix‘ para la película de Hollywood „Miami Vice“, con Colin Farrell y Jamie Foxx, que se mantuvo durante diez semanas en el Top10 alemán. En 2003 fundó un equipo de compositores de canciones con Peter Wieschermann. Además de canciones para las series de la televisión alemana RTL, el equipo también escribió la canción ‚World Yesterdays‘ para los anuncios de televisión alemana de ayuda a la infancia „Kindernothilfe“, que se emitieron en las principales cadenas de televisión del país. En 2006 tocó en dos temas del álbum del grupo alemán Cascada, que en 2007 ganó el premio World Music Awards como „Mejor Artista Superventa alemán“. Además, escribe y produce música para anuncios publicitarios para Kia Motors, Klosterfrau, etc Günter Asbeck is a freelance bass player, singer, songwriter, arranger and music producer based in Cologne, Germany. Over the years he has worked on stage and in the studio (bass & vocals) with artists such as Cascada, Gloria Gaynor, Jennifer Rush, Udo Lindenberg, James Blunt, Hiram Bullock, Sugarbabes, Rick Braun, Anthony Weedon, Slimman, Nathan East, Janita, The Rasmus, etc. As producer and remixer he was part of “Fudge X” from 2005-2007. Together with producer legend Jan Hammer, one project was the track ‚Crockett’s Theme – In da house remix‘ for the hollywood movie “Miami Vice” with Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx, which stayed in the German Top10 for ten weeks. In 2003 he founded a song writing team with Peter Wieschermann. Besides songs for German TV series (RTL), the team also wrote the song ‚Yesterdays World‘ for the TV spots of the German childrens-aid-foundation “Kindernothilfe”, which ran on all major german TV stations. In 2006 he played on two album tracks of the German project Cascada, which won the World Music Awards as “Best Selling German Act” in 2007. In addition he writes and produces music for advertising spots on behalf of companies such as Kia motors, Klosterfrau, etc.

Marcus Finnie creció en Memphis, comenzó a tocar la batería en la iglesia acompañando a su madre al órgano. Después de mudarse por sus estudios a Murfreesboro siguió acumulando experiencia musical en una banda de instrumentos de viento, en un grupo de jazz y en una orquesta. Entonces cambió de especialidad a la especialidad más popular de la escuela “Recording Arts” para aprender más de producción musical y técnicas de estudio. Por aquel entonces, estaba siempre en busca de bandas con las que poder actuar. Durante sus estudios hizo las prácticas con los productores Cedric y Victor Caldwell poseedores del Premio Grammy, donde también trabajó en estudio con Smokie Norful, TD Jakes, Vickie Winans y Donnie McClurkin. Ese año después de sus estudios consiguió sucesivas actuaciones. Después de la gira de verano con el músico de gospel contemporáneo Warren Barfield le ofrecieron irse de gira con Donna Summer. Mientras se encontraba de gira con Donna, conoció a Billy Preston y entre las giras de Donna se iba de viaje durante varias semanas con Billy Preston y Larry Carlton. Estos últimos años se marchó de gira a Japón y Sudáfrica con Earl Klugh, Kirk Whalum y poco después con BWB (Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum y Norman Brown). Marcus ha tocado también con Lalah Hathaway, Keiko Matsui, Nelson Rangell, Chuck Wicks, Gerald Veasly, Monty Montgomery y Gerald Albright.

Compagina las giras y las grabaciones con las clases. Además, escribe, produce y realiza arreglos de piezas de R&B, pop y jazz.

A Memphis native, Marcus Finnie began playing drums at church accompanying his mother on organ. Once he moved to Murfreesboro for college, he furthered his musical experience in marching band, jazz band and orchestra. He then switched his major to the school’s most popular major, “Recording Arts” to learn production and studio techniques. While in college he interned with Grammy Producers Cedric and Victor Caldwell where he got to record with Smokie Norful, T.D. Jakes, Vickie Winans and Donnie McClurkin. After college that year, one gig led to another that led to another. After having toured the summer with Contemporary Christian Artist Warren Barfield, he got the call to go on the road with Donna Summer. While on the road with her, he met Billy Preston and in between Donna’s tours, he went out with Billy Preston and Larry Carlton traveling over seas numerous times within weeks. Over the last few years on he would go on to tour Japan and South Africa with Earl Klugh, Kirk Whalum and shortly afterwards BWB (Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum, and Norman Brown). Marcus also performed with Lalah Hathaway, Keiko Matsui, Nelson Rangell, Chuck Wicks, Gerald Veasly, Monty Montgomery, and Gerald Albright. He continues recording and touring while teaching and conducting clinics. He also writes, produces and arranges R&B, pop and jazz.

The Festival Band | Artists 19

20 Location | Protur Biomar Gran Hotel & Spa

Protur Biomar Gran Hotel & Spa | Location 21

Spencer Day

Nick Colionne

Europe‘s greatest Soul, Funk & Jazz-Party

Colourful & bright.

Or stylish in black & white.

The Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival was both.

Review by Peter Böhi of smoothjazzvibes.com

On May 1st, this year‘s edition of the annual Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival on the island of Mallorca, Spain, took place as usual at the Protur Biomar Hotel in Sa Coma, a nice 5 star resort on the eastern coast of the island. For those people interested, there was pre-festival program with a gala diner with all artists, a trip to Palma de Mallorca and one more trip to Valdemossa the next day, allowing the exploration of the island and mingling with artists and fellow music aficionados.

The basic concept of the festival is to bring some of the best U.S. smooth jazz artists to Europe and have a band of local professional musicians

22 Smooth Lifestyle | Review Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival 2014

back them up. This job was ably taken care of by Lutz Deterra on keys, Günter Asbeck on bass, Andy Pilger and Stephan Sagurna on drums and Jörg Lenhardt on guitar.

The festival opened with the show of saxophonist Elan Trotman, a quickly rising star in the smooth jazz world, I consider him to have what it takes to make it to the very top of the genre. He appropriately started his concert with Chick Corea‘s „Spain“, before settling into his own material, he did „Heaven In Your Eyes“ from the Love & Sax album, a nice laidback song featuring his smooth sax playing. Next was the Bill Wither‘s

Richard Elliot

Peter White, Elan Trotman & Jessy J

Paul Shilts Weimar

Images: Christian Nordstrรถm

Gregg Karukas

Review Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival 2014 | Smooth Lifestyle 23

Soul, Funk & Jazz-Party

song „Lovely Day“, as a surprise guest, he brought the soulful songstress Evita he met the night before to do this song in style with him. Next was his famous Earth, Wind & Fire medley, before slowing things down with his own „Tradewinds“ from his current Tropicality album, bringing guitarist Peter White as surprise guest onto the stage, who also was instrumental in the creation of this record. The show was concluded with his tropical version of Stevie Wonder‘s „Master Blaster“, having Jessy J to help him out with this song, bringing the crowd to their feet.

The second concert Thursday night was by saxophonist Richard Elliot, starting his show powerfully with „Rock Steady“, segueing into „Move On Up“, followed by Marvin Gaye‘s „Inner City Blues“ with a nod to his idol Grover Washington, Jr. The groove continued with „Retro Boy“, before things became soulful with the Earth, Wind & Fire classic „Reasons“, a song he recorded with the Summer Horns last year, baffling the audience with low growling sounds from his sax. Next was „Boom Town“ that gave bassist Günter Asbeck some solo space allowing him to play some mean slapping bass. No Richard Elliot show is complete without the Percy Sledge classic „When A Man Loves A Woman“, a song he always pours his heart and soul into. Then things turned jazzy for a change with „Night In Tunisia“ where Richard Elliot could show his considerable straight ahead chops, then kicking things up a notch with „Keep On Truckin‘“, complete with his voice overs on the EWI, plus guest Shilts on sax providing some more heavy saxophone playing. The heat was rising with saxophonist Elan Trotman and guitarist Nick Colionne joining the stage, ending the show in a frenzy. They returned for one encore, doing „I Heard It Through The Grapevine“, bringing the first night to a satisfying end.

Friday night was opened by saxophonist Jessy J who delivered a very laid-back latin tinged smooth jazz set, relating to her Mexican heritage.

She opened her set with the nice „Remember The Night“ that featured her smooth tenor sound, before singing the Brazilian classic „Manha De Carnaval“. Next was her own „Sin Ti (Without You)“, keeping things nicely grooving along, with the pace picking up again with Sergio Mendes‘ „Mas Que Nada”. Then she went back to her debut album from 2008 and did one of her biggest hits, the great „Tequila Moon“ that suited her playing style very well, wandering in the audience to the delight of her fans.

After that, she invited special guest Gregg Karukas to the stage to do the easy swaying „Tropcial Rain“ with her, before it was time to raise the heat with the Tito Puente classic „Oye Como Va“ where she had Nick Colionne joining in to add some serious guitar playing. They wrapped up the show with her own „Hot Sauce“ which segued into „Baila!“, having the audience get up and clap and dance along. As an encore, she played the Gloria Estefan hit „Conga“ that brought a nice show to an end.

After an intermission, guitarist extraordinaire Nick Colionne took over the stage, he kicked off his set with two fiery instrumentals, showing his

24 Smooth Lifestyle | Review Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival 2014

tremendous guitar skills. He slowed things down with „Rainy Night In Georgia“ featuring his velvety voice, one of the highlights of the whole show. He got serious with the hard hitting „Hurry Up This Way Again“, during this song he went out into the audience wandering around, doing a lengthy solo that pulled all the stops, delighting his numerous fans. Then it was time to get „wild and loose“ with the ultra funky JB track „Super Bad“ where he invited guests Shilts and Jessy J on sax and Peter White on guitar to join the party, while Nick Colionne did his famous James Brown impersonation going out into the audience prompting people to get up and dance, which was a riot, the house was cooking. This lengthy jam ended the show, with everybody in a state of excitement, he was prompted to do an encore, so he did his current single „Got To Keep It Moving“, ending a truly great concert. Nick Colionne definitely is one of the genre‘s most entertaining and most consummate performers.

Saturday night, the festival continued with Spencer Day, a crooner in the vein of Michael Bublé and Frank Sinatra, he opened his show with the mellow groover „Missing Tonight“ featuring his strong velvety voice.

Next was „Naturally“, a brand new song with a country and western touch, followed by his first radio hit „‘Til You Come To Me“ and „The

Movie Of Your Life“ that kept the laid-back groove going on. He did a couple of covers, „Runaway“ and The Young Rascals‘ „Groovin‘“ done to perfection, which marked an early highlight for me. „Something Wicked“ followed with a decidedly 60ies feeling, followed by „Shadow Man“ that was another perfect vehicle for his voice. He did an up-tempo Nancy Sinatra song, before turning his attention to sad love songs, before he concluded his show with „The Mystery Of You”. The audience asked for more, so they got the encore with the Frank Sinatra song „One For My Baby“, just him singing at the piano.

Sunday morning the festival went on with keyboardist Gregg Karukas, he was supported by the house band and the great local saxophonist Miguel Ramon, who blended in well with his smooth and restrained sax playing. They started their show with some original material, first they did „Wildwood“, followed by „Nightshift“ and „Severna Park“, all featuring the impeccable playing by this awesome pianist. Next was „Girl In The Red Dress“, the song built up nicely and featured several burning solos by various band members, the groove continued with „Riverside Drive“, a smashing number with a catchy melody, that went down very well. To slow things down, he did a solo piano version of „Sound Of Emotion“ which was very moving. The band joined in for the laid-back „Daylight“ that featured more nice sax work by Miguel Ramon. Gregg strapped on his keytar and played some new material from his upcoming album, some even untitled and performed live for the very first time, like a great head bopping funky track that is destined to become a future hit, one more mellow song that boasted his melodic playing style, and a groovy latin track that was off the hook. The show was finished with his

own twist on the Beatles classic „Come Together“, having everybody get up. This was another memorable show by a consummate artist.

The last show of the festival was done by former Down To The Bone front man, saxophonist Paul „Shilts“ Weimar, he went right into it with the groovy „See What Happens“, followed by „Look, What‘s Happened“ which was another head bopper. He changed the pace a bit with „Good Evans“, a song written for his father that was very special, it featured a nice intro on the keys by Lutz Deterra and a great straight ahead part in the middle of the song, providing an early highlight of the show. Then they did the beautiful „See Things Clearly“, one of his chart topping hits, providing some smooth jazz bliss. He changed gears again with Stanley Turrentine‘s jazz classic „Sugar“, that gave Andy Pilger the opportunity for a smoking drums solo. The pace was slowed down with his heartfelt cover of Rose Royce‘s „Wishing Upon A Star“ where he also wandered around in the audience to play. He invited special guest Nick Colionne on guitar to play one up-tempo funky track with him, turning up the heat.

To get us up on our feet, he did the Down To The Bone track „Staten Island Groove“, then he invited Greg Karukas who provided some more great keyboard playing one more Down To The Bone track, wrapping up the show. They came back for one more and did a shuffling blues number with everyone improvising along, bringing the festival to great end.

This was another memorable and entertaining Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival, it was well attended by an international crowd of smooth jazz aficionados and held on the premises of the Protur Biomar Gran Hotel who always welcomes the festival with open arms. We all had a blast and will be back next year! Mark your calendar for April 29 - May 3, 2015.

Coming soon:

MALLORCA SMOOTH JAZZ FESTIVAL 2016 28. April – 1. May 2016 Protur Biomar Gran Hotel & Spa Mallorca, Spain Hotel Package sale starts in December 2015.

Reservation E-Mail: shop@smooth-entertainment.de

www.mallorca.smoothjazzfestival.de www.smoothjazzeurope.eu www.facebook.com/smoothjazzeurope

Review Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival 2014 | Smooth Lifestyle 25

Images: Christian Nordström

After that, it was time to get back to business with guitarist Peter White, he kicked off his show with a groovy song featuring his great guitar playing, segueing into „Could It Be I‘m Falling In Love“. In addition to the house band, he was supported by two young horn players from the local band Saxophobia Funk Project who did a great job. Next was the cool Isley Brothers classic „Who‘s That Lady“ with special guest Gregg Karukas adding some wicked keys, jumping around on the stage with his keytar strapped on, while Peter took the song to the next level with his distorted guitar sounds, segueing into The Temptations‘ „Papa Was A Rolling Stone“, which is always a crowd pleaser. He slowed it down with „Desert Nights“ with a decidedly Flamenco feeling, just accompanied by Greg Karukas on the keys, which was simply beautiful. Then he did his rendition of „I Can See Clearly Now“, followed by one his own compositions that featured a great soprano sax solo, and the breezy „Costa Rica“ from his current Here We Go album, with a great drum solo

by Stephan Sagurna. To get us some rest, he played a solo guitar interlude that included among other tracks the Bee Gee‘s „How Deep Is Your Love“. The groove picked put with his rendition of „Walk On By“ with special guest Shilts doing a great sax solo. With the energy up, „Bueno Funk“ was the appropriate choice to keep things moving along, Shilts contributed some more smoking sax to this one as well. Then he put his sunglasses on, doing the James Bond theme, before they went into Bob Marley‘s „Get Up Stand Up“ with Jessy J being added to the proceedings, by now the stage got seriously crammed with a veritable all-star band.

With all players of the night on stage, they wrapped up the show with „San Diego“, after that they were asked back for an encore and did the Marvin Gaye classic „What‘s Going On“, where Spencer Day was also invited and did some great singing, bringing a truly special night to a rousing end.

Review: 5th annual Smooth Jazz Festival Augsburg 2014

Let the party begin...

Review by Peter Böhi of smoothjazzvibes.com

The 5th Annual Smooth Jazz Festival Augsburg (7th if you count those in Bregenz and Munich that preceded it) took place at the Parktheater at the Kurhaus Göggingen in Augsburg, Germany. This year, the festival already began Thursday night. The festival has matured nicely and Christian Bössner, the man behind the event, is making it better every year. Fans from all across Europe and the US came in droves to see some of the best smooth jazz players on the scene, and this year’s lineup was excellent as ever. The US players were supported by musical director Lutz Deterra on keys, Andy Pilger on drums, Günter Asbeck on bass and Martin Feske on guitar, the tried and tested band that is working hard during the festival to back up all the featured artists.

Chris Standring

Thursday night, the festival was kicked off by guitarist Chris Standring, his playing is jazzy, soulful and intelligent, with a lot of depth, still it is funky and groovy. He played several tracks from his current release Don’t Talk, Dance plus some of his previous hits, delivering an entertaining show.

Next were saxophonists Marion Meadows and Paul Taylor. Despite the fact that each has his own inimitable style, they blended very well together. Mostly, they were alternating, each playing some material from his current release. As special guests, Chris Standring on guitar and Bob Baldwin on keyboards joined the band for one song, raising the heat.

They returned for one encore, adding Chris Standring to the band, having people dance in the aisles. This was a very good show that started the festival in style.

Friday night, the opening act was 34-years-old bass player Julian Vaughn, a rising star in the smooth jazz genre, who plays a higher pitched bass as a lead instrument in the tradition of the late Wayman Tisdale. With songs like “Can’t Hide Love”, “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Do

Stephanie Lottermoser

Marion Meadows

Matt Marshak & Magdalena Chovankova

26 Smooth Lifestyle | Review Smooth Jazz Festival Augsburg 2014

Candy Dulfer in the crowd

You Remember The Time”, he could do no wrong and had the audience in the palm of his hand. At the end of his show, he had people dancing in front of the stage and the aisles. After his infectious show, you could feel the energy and joy in the room.

territory. Later she presented a great rendition of “Lily Was Here” with a soaring guitar solo by Ulco Bed, providing the highlight of the show.

After that, she switched back to dance territory. Then as a little show element, “vocal artist” Andy Ninvalle did a nice beatbox and mouth instrument segment, that culminated in Michael Jackson’s “Billy Jean”.

After an intermission, saxophone star Candy Dulfer was on, she appeared with her own band and started with a melodic sax led smooth jazz instrumental. Next was a pop song, followed by tracks from her current Crazy album, having Candy moving into pop dance

Saturday, keyboardist Bob Baldwin with guest saxophonist Stephanie Lottermoser did a nice set. Additionally, he had Marion Meadows join him later during the show, playing a variety of originals and covers. Especially remarkable was his impromptu tribute to the late Joe Sample on the acoustic piano.

Coming soon:

SMOOTH JAZZ FESTIVAL AUGSBURG 2015 29. December 2015 - 1. January 2016 Park Theater at the Kurhaus Göggingen Augsburg, Germany Hotel Package sale starts in August 2015.

Reservation E-Mail: shop@smooth-entertainment.de

www.augsburg.smoothjazzfestival.de www.smoothjazzeurope.de www.facebook.com/smoothjazzeurope

Guitarist Matt Marshak and saxophonist Marcus Anderson did a very entertaining and groovy set, both are outstanding players that know how to give their fans a treat. Marcus Anderson showed a lot of variety, playing also the flute and the EWI, off the hook was his stroll into the audience handing out roses to some lucky women. At the end of the show, they invited twin sisters Magdalena Chovancova on sax and Gabriela Chovancova on drums from the band Threestyle to the stage, providing a rousing finale.

Sunday morning, the Smooth Jazz Brunch at the Dorint hotel took place; the hotel where almost all artists and fans were staying. After one hour of brunching, we got some music from bassist Julian Vaughn and saxophonist Marcus Anderson, supported by the house band, who for the last time gave their all to provide 90 minutes of top entertainment. At the end of the show, the whole room was up and dancing. This was once again an exciting edition of the Smooth Jazz Festival Augsburg, this year in a newly expanded edition over the course of four days with 7 concerts by 8 international top stars. It was well attended by an international crowd which was enthusiastic and appreciative, creating a great vibe that helped to bring the best out of the players. I am sure they had a ball, as well. Mark your calendars for next year’s Smooth Jazz Festival Augsburg.

Paul Taylor Bob Baldwin

Julian Vaughn

Matt Marshak

Marcus Anderson Park Theater Augsburg

Review Smooth Jazz Festival Augsburg 2014 | Smooth Lifestyle 27

Coming soon:

LAGO MAGGIORE SMOOTH JAZZ FESTIVAL 2015 20. – 23. August 2015 Grand Hotel Dino Baveno, Lago Maggiore, Italy Hotel package sale starts in April 2015.

Reservation e-mail: shop@smooth-entertainment.de

www.italy.smoothjazzfestival.de www.smoothjazzeurope.eu www.facebook.com/smoothjazzeurope

28 Smooth Lifestyle | Preview Lago Maggiore Smooth Jazz Festival 2015

World premiere: The Lago Maggiore Smooth Jazz Festival 2015

Ciao Grande Musica.

Ciao La Dolce Vita.

Ciao Smooth Jazz-Lovers all over the world, Our festival family has grown again. In the new year, the altogether 13th edition of our SMOOTH JAZZ FESTIVAL series takes us to a new place in a new country – a country known for good food, good wine, fashion, summer, sun, sunshine – a country known for LA DOLCE VITA: Italy.

The 3rd in the league of our annual festivals is from now on going to take place there, more precisely at the picturesque Lake Maggiore. The second largest lake in Italy is located in the wine region of Piemonte and is just within a stone’s throw of Lake Como, where amongst others George Clooney owns a house. Venue for our festival is the Grand Hotel Dino in Baveno. The exclusive bathing and holiday resort

Baveno, which is situated about 45 minutes north of the fashion metropolis Milan, is surrounded by picturesque mountains. It has retained the glamour of the 60s and the charm of Art Nouveau. The hotel itself is nestled in a beautiful natural setting with century-old trees in the parks, pools, and the breathtaking panorama of the Borromean Islands.

The spacious complex extends directly to the lake shore and has a private boat jetty.

On stage, we welcome some of the biggest and most successful international stars of the Contemporary and Smooth Jazz scene. The live concerts take place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening and on Sunday forenoon until afternoon.

Preview Lago Maggiore Smooth Jazz Festival 2015 | Smooth Lifestyle 29

Hans-Bernd Hülsmann presents:

Smooth Music all around ... wonderful jazz, introspective vocals, lifestyle soundtracks for us all to incorporate into our days, nights and weekends. Here is a list of my personal favorites so far this year!

Reviews by Hans-Bernd Hülsmann of Smooth & Soul - Your guide to the world of smooth jazz (smooth-jazz.de)

PETER WHITE – Smile When distinct modesty couples with excellent artistry, this applies absolutely to the guitarist Peter White.

The uncrowned leader of the smooth jazz genre has already released his fourteenth studio album. On ‚Smile’ White is joined by Mindi Abair and Stevo Theard, Rick Braun, Euge Groove, Philippe Saisse, Nate Phillips, Ramon Yslas and his daughter Charlotte White. Stylistically White remains faithful to himself and his favorite instrument. With ‚Smile’ Peter drives purposefully into a hit. A catchy tune that is responsive to all smooth jazz fans. ‚In Rainbows’ embraces us with a cordial guitar performed melody. ‚Head Over Heels’ presents a strong interaction between White and Rick Braun, as we so appreciate it in their collaborative live performances. ‚Smile’ is Peters’ Thank You to his enduring fans and foremost his fellow musicians, with which he is already gone such a long way. Naturally with his acoustic sound design a typical Peter White experience.

RAGAN WHITESIDE – Quantum Drive Ragan Whiteside is best known to the smooth jazz community by her albums ‚Class Axe’ (2007) and ‚Evolve’ (2012). Now she takes off with her new album ‚Quantum Drive’ in warp speed. The album features on selected tracks Bob Baldwin, Althea Rene, Bo Valentine, Patrice Rushen, Dennis Johnson and Frank McComb. This is the first album she made after her move from New York to Georgia. Nevertheless it’s the right music people can enjoy. On the Latin tinged ‚Valentin Dream’ Ragan takes the lead on flute in full flow. Seamlessly integrated follows an extensive solo of master of all keys Bob Baldwin. ‚Soul Biscuit‘ takes a look back into the past of the Motown sound. The climax of the album is definitely to find at the end with ‚Quantum Drive’. An up-tempo tour de force of Ragan on flute and Bob on keys. Ragan Whiteside creates with ‚Quantum Drive’ an enchanting and vibrant album, which can withstand any competition with other flutists of smooth jazz. Respect for such a development.

ERIC DARIUS – Retro Forward Always a high-class entertainer Eric Darius is a real asset to every concert, festival or party. Even after a career of more than one decade nothing changed. He came into game with ‚Cruisin’ in 2000. Better known are his follow-ups ‚Night On The Town‘ (2004), ‚Just Getting Started’ (2006), ‚Going All Out’ (2008) and ‚On A Mission’ (2010). The new album ‚Retro Forward’ immediately picks up speed with ‚All Around the World’. A piano in staccato mode sets the driving force for Darius’ furious sax fireworks. ‚Retro Forward’ comes with a heavy hand clapping beat presenting the saxophonist in Urban jazz style. The cover of Barry White’s mega hit ‚Can’t Get Enough of Your Love’ features Terry Drexler. This is a modern R&B interpretation. Soulful and to the point. Eric Darius’ ‚Retro Forward’ is far more than just another smooth jazz sax album. With rousing musical ideas he breathes new life into this genre.

GABRIEL HASSELBACH – Open Invitation Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, jazz trumpet player Gabriel Hasselbach lives and works out of Vancouver. His musical style is comparable with Rick Braun. Even though his fame still has room for improvement, he has played with a large number of smooth jazz musicians and in particular with the singer Michael Bublé.

Fresh off the press comes his new album ‚Open Invitation’ (2014), whose title will certainly be understood as an invitation to become familiar with his music. With exquisite perfection Gabriel starts his project and presents ‚Count Me In’. Gabriel played trumpet on Bob Baldwin’s album and Bob returns the favor on ‚Charmed Life’.

Bob shows his mastery of the piano, Gabriel pulls on the same level. Powerfully and full of energy comes ‚Let It Slide”’ a cool duet with saxophonist Bob Mintzer. Awareness is one thing, skill another. With ‚Open Invitation’ becomes apparent that Gabriel hasn’t to shy away from comparison with any other trumpeter in the world.

30 Smooth Lifestyle | CD Reviews